Hugh McGahan: It comprises many elements but motivation is crucial

Motivation is the key factor needed if the Warriors are to sneak into the top eight. The team has shown glimpses of the winning attitude required to succeed in the NRL. Although a couple of wins were expected - Souths and Newcastle - the latter fixture showed the fighting spirit we expect from champion teams.

The next best performance I have witnessed this year was the second round game against West Tigers at Ericsson Stadium a couple of weeks ago. That was a combination of the attitude, ability and aggression to win in this competition and that is not taking into account the appalling conditions on that Sunday.

So why do the Warriors not produce this type of game more commonly?

The only reason I can provide is that they are not motivated to provide this weekly - and I don't mean the motivational speech prior to taking the field.

Motivation is a constant which starts at the beginning of the week and builds toward the game. Motivation is provided by the coach, the players and the environment. The latter is the hardest to organise as it encompasses all aspects of life, both sporting and personal.

Contributions to this environment include the form of players and the knowledge by others that form is lacking, the form of the coach and his ability to provide the necessary ingredients, aspects of external issues surrounding the club, including personnel and administrative ability, and fan doubt that the team can break into the top eight.

One important issue surrounding the coach is his decision to select form players. It has been stated on numerous occasions by the coach, the form of Francis Meli has not been what is expected but still he commands weekly selection.

Who you are - a 'name' player - will contribute to your place in the team. Is this what the coach wants to portray to players who may be questioning the selections?

Are there not enough wingers in the club to give another player an opportunity? If not, then why is the club not looking outside to fill the void?

The CEO has already announced that no players will be bought to strengthen the club. Why? The club must have no funds, as Stacey Jones will be leaving the club at the end of the year.

If there are funds, why not buy to strengthen? Unfortunately this raises more questions as to what is happening within the club.

I will finish with one more question: why is Stacey now being burdened with the captaincy when previously the captaincy was taken off him to concentrate on his form?

It must be said that Stacey is not playing to the best of his ability so why lumber him with the responsibility of something that he supposedly could not handle before?

Now Monty Betham cannot handle it as he now needs to focus on leading the defence. What type of players are we creating today if this is true?

Can players no longer handle what Steven Price provides with consummate ease, as well as play his heart out and lead the NRL in statistics?

If we are unable to develop it, then buy it.

Or are we inventing new cliches to cover the shortfalls of the abilities of our sportspeople?

- HERALD ON SUNDAY